American Last Names as First Names
- Price
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"son of Rhys"Description:
Some names referring to expensive things -- Tiffany, Armani, Porsche -- are in fact declasse, but Price transcends that label with its simplicity and strength.
- Willis
Origin:
Diminutive of William, GermanMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
A common surname that was popular as a given name in the late 19th and early 20th century, Willis dropped off the US Top 1000 back in the early 90s, just as alternative William diminutive, Liam, began to skyrocket.
- Adams
Description:
Adams originated as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Adam,' derived from the Hebrew name Adam ('man' or 'earth'). As a given name, Adams represents a modern trend of using surnames as first names, projecting strength and tradition. While primarily masculine, it sometimes appears as a middle name for both genders. In the United States, Adams carries historical significance through founding father John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams, both presidents. The name has never been highly common as a first name but has steady, modest usage. It appeals to parents seeking a distinguished, intellectual-sounding name with historical resonance. Adams possesses a dignified, refined quality while maintaining simplicity and clear pronunciation.
- Wagner
Origin:
German occupational nameMeaning:
"wagon maker"Description:
Whether pronounced like the wag of a tail or as the correct German VAHG-ner, this might be something a devoted opera buff could consider as a middle name.
- Roberts
Description:
Roberts functions primarily as a surname derived from the personal name Robert, meaning 'bright fame' from Germanic elements 'hrod' (fame) and 'beraht' (bright). As a masculine first name, Roberts represents an uncommon variation that maintains the surname's full form rather than reverting to Robert. This practice of using surnames as first names reflects an Anglo-American naming tradition that conveys formality and familial connection. The name carries a distinguished quality, often associated with professional settings and traditional values. While considerably less common than Robert, the name Roberts has maintained a subtle presence in naming records, particularly in families where it might honor maternal lineage. The addition of the final 's' gives the traditional name a distinctive quality while preserving its recognizable roots and strong masculine associations.
- Crawford
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"ford where crows gather"Description:
A common surname in Scotland, but a starchy first name choice.
- Bennet
Origin:
Variation of Bennett, English form of Benedict, LatinMeaning:
"blessed"Description:
This spelling of Bennett is typically seen as a surname, but gets moderate use as a first name for baby boys and girls.
- Perez
Origin:
Spanish from HebrewMeaning:
"to blossom"Description:
The newest surname names move beyond the Waspy, and this is an excellent example, associated these days with gossip blogger Perez (born Mario) Hilton.
- Reyes
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"kings, royalty"Description:
This regal Spanish name combines several of today's top trends: names that end in S, last names that can also be first names, royal-sounding names, and unisex options. It has a long history of use in Spain as both a surname and a given name.
- Murray
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"from the land by the sea"Description:
An old-man name that sounds cute when used for a little girl, and is starting to seem cool again for boys too. For girls, it might be associated with Mina Murray (later, Mina Harker) from Bram Stoker's Dracula and its many adaptations.
- Moore
Origin:
English place-nameMeaning:
"the moors"Description:
Moore is recommended as a rich and satisfying middle name choice, whether it relates to your own family history or not. Of the numerous outstanding Moore-surnamed namesakes, count sculptor Henry, writers Clement, Marianne and Brian, entertainers Demi, Dudley, Garry, Roger, Julianne, Melba and Mary Tyler, and provocateur Michael.
- Sims
Origin:
English surname derived from SimonMeaning:
"the listener"Description:
Sims is a medieval English surname, also found in Ireland and Scotland, that has many variations all deriving from the Hebrew Biblical name Simon. Sims is a simple, straightforward, yet proper-sounding name that works well as a first, whether you find it in your family tree or pluck the idea from someone else's. It was used for only five boys in the US in 2013.
- Morrison
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Morris"Description:
Morrison is one of the more uncommon patronymics; it could be used to honor an ancestral Morris, or one of the well-known surnamed Morrisons: Toni, Jim or Van.
- Boyd
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"blond"Description:
Has a bit of a hayseed image, and that oy sound is tough to work with.
- Washington
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"home of the Wassa people"Description:
Lincoln, Tyler, Taylor, Jackson, Jefferson, Harrison, McKinley, Grant, Kennedy, Carter -- yes. Washington -- probably not.
- Shaw
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dweller by the wood"Description:
With the current taste for last names first, this sounds a lot cooler than Shawn; it also has creative connections to the great Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw, novelist Irwin Shaw, and Big Band Era clarinetist/bandleader and one-time Ava Gardner husband Artie Shaw.
- Williams
Description:
Williams is a patronymic surname that has evolved into use as a given name. Derived from the Germanic name Wilhelm (composed of elements meaning 'will, desire' and 'helmet, protection'), it literally means 'son of William.' As a first name, Williams maintains the distinguished, traditional quality of its surname origins. It's particularly popular in English-speaking countries, often chosen by families honoring ancestral surnames or seeking a formal, sophisticated option for their sons. While primarily used for boys, Williams carries a professional, timeless appeal that resists passing trends. The name offers familiar nickname options like Will or Bill, though many prefer using the full name to preserve its dignified character.
- Howell
Origin:
English variation of Hywel, an eminent Welsh kingDescription:
A familiar and usable last name turned first. Or you could look at it as a homophone of the verb howl, which gives it a wilder feel.
- Hall
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"worker at the hall"Description:
A simple, self-possessed, somewhat serious surname, which might work better as a middle.
- Burton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"fortified enclosure"Description:
Burton originated as a habitation surname that now feels like a appropriate first. Actor Richard Burton, two-time husband of Elizabeth Taylor, was the most famous bearer. Burtie makes an adorable short form.
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